AnimalsPet Animals

Recognizing Poisoning Symptoms in Cats: Essential Signs to Watch For

Curious by nature, cats do like to explore the world around them. There is always something to sniff out and find, however, this can mean they do open themselves up to unintentional dangers whether at home or outside. Poisoning in cats is something every owner worries about, but with the right precautions and knowing what is harmful to them, you can help your cat avoid becoming seriously ill or worse.

Recognizing-Poisoning-Symptoms-in-Cats

What Are Common Causes of Poisoning in Cats?

There are many things within your home that can be potentially hazardous to your feline, some more obvious than others. It’s also not always easy to tell they have been poisoned either, especially as sometimes the symptoms aren’t immediate and could be signs of something else that is wrong, with diseases such as Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) sharing similar symptoms like difficulty breathing or lethargy.

That’s why if you do have certain toxic things at home, it’s best to think about where they are and if you need them – it could be the difference between your cat being healthy one minute to seriously ill the next, needing an emergency trip to the vet. Here are some common toxic substances you may have at home or in the garden:

  • Chocolate – delicious but highly toxic – can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures.
  • Grapes and Raisins – they may be small and tasty, but can lead to kidney failure in cats.
  • Onions and Garlic – very common in the kitchen, but a cause of gastrointestinal issues if a cat eats them.
  • Cleaning products – harmful to us humans too if ingested, it’s best to keep these away from reach as bleach, ammonia, chlorine and alcohol-based products shouldn’t be near your cat. Make sure your cat doesn’t wander into any recently cleaned areas where these are still present.
  • Medication – you may have paracetamol and other painkillers in the home. These are not for cats and will cause gastrointestinal problems or even severe organ damage.
  • Oils and diffusers – if you use diffusers in the home to provide a pleasant fragrance, your cat may also be attracted to them. They can cause liver damage and also neurological symptoms, so keep your cat away if they become interested in them.
  • Pest Control – whether it’s rats, ants or other insect killers, using them is also very dangerous for your cat. This also goes for weed killers on your lawn.
  • Antifreeze – Used in your car, it can be easy for spillages to happen on surfaces that your cat can reach and can cause serious issues if ingested.
  • Flowers – you may have flowers in the home or garden, but Lilies, Daffodils, Tulips and Carnations are just a few of the toxic species to your cat. They can all cause vomiting, diarrhoea and other serious internal issues if eaten.

Key Signs of Poisoning to Look Out For

There are a few different symptoms your cat may develop when poisoned, but they aren’t always quick to see. Sometimes, you may see your cat chew or eat something you know is toxic. If this happens, you should speak to your vet immediately, but in situations where you’ve not seen them do so, they could be poisoned if they:

  • Start vomiting or have diarrhoea
  • Act unusually or are moving sluggishly
  • Struggle to breath
  • Having a seizure
  • Drooling or excessive thirst
  • Lethargy or loss of appetite

Some of the symptoms can be more alarming than others, but it is important to stay calm and contact your vet as soon as possible. It may also take time for symptoms to show, but rather than wait to see, especially if you know they have been poisoned but seem fine currently, still contact your vet as it could be an emergency.

What to do if you Suspect Poisoning?

As per the RSPCA, never watch and wait if you suspect your cat has been poisoned. If you know what has poisoned them, move your cat away from this and tell your vet exactly what it is and how much you think they have eaten.

Giving your vet as much information as possible will help them advise the best course of action, such as how long it has been or when it happened, and what symptoms if any they are showing.

Depending on the severity of the situation and what has poisoned them, you will need to visit your vet for an emergency appointment where they will be able to investigate further and give treatment. This could mean a blood test, urine analysis, or even a specific antidote if there is one. The quicker they can be treated, the higher the chance of your cat making a full recovery.

Prevention is the Best Solution

As much as possible you’ll want to prevent having to take your cat to the vet to be treated for poisoning. Hopefully, it will never happen to your cat, but one of the best ways to prevent this situation is to be careful with what your cat comes into contact with at home or outside.

This can be easier to control with an indoor cat compared to one that roams as you can’t control what they may find outside or if they are fed by strangers. If you are concerned about the latter, it can be best to keep them indoors at night and control their time outside. Supervise their time in the garden or even consider using a lead and harness if they become restless at home and need to go out.

In the home, secure any food that is toxic for your cat so that it reduces the chances of them finding it. Clear up after cooking and be wary of where your cat is when food is around, such as when eating dinner or having a snack. Any other harmful substances like medication or cleaning products are best secured in a container or a cupboard out of view. If your cat is particularly mischievous and can open cupboard doors, you may want to use child locks as an extra measure.

Whilst it is nice to have flowers and plants at home and diffusers, be mindful of those you choose to have. Not all are toxic to cats, so things like orchids, spider plants, and Zebra plants are a better alternative. If you are unsure, the Cats Protection has a handy list of indoor plants that are safe to have.

A Poison-Free Environment for a Happy Cat

It’s not always obvious or easy to spot hazards in the home, but taking the time to understand what may poison your cat is important. It’s all part of being a responsible owner, and your cat will appreciate not becoming seriously ill either!

Be mindful of things in the home or garden and create a safe environment for your feline to explore without issue. If you are ever unsure if your cat has been poisoned, remember to speak to your vet as soon as possible for peace of mind – they’ll know what to do to help your cat get back to their normal self again.

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